Aasai

The IEBC selection panel has wrapped up its month-long interview process for the electoral body’s chairperson and six commissioners, setting the stage for President William Ruto to make the next big move. The panel, led by Nelson Makanda, concluded interviews for the chairperson on March 26 and finalized commissioner interviews on April 25.

Among the 11 candidates interviewed for the top IEBC role were notable names such as former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi and ex-CIC Chairperson Charles Nyachae. Others in the mix included Joy Mdivo, Erastus Ethekon, and Abdulqadir Lorot, who sources say are emerging as key front-runners.

For the commissioner slots, the panel interviewed 106 out of 111 shortlisted candidates. According to the law, the panel must forward two names for chairperson and nine for commissioners to President Ruto, who will nominate one chair and six commissioners, all subject to parliamentary approval.

With the panel expected to retreat from April 28 to compile its final report, the list of nominees is likely to reach the President by May 9. Political leaders are calling for broader consultations to ensure a trusted IEBC ahead of the 2027 polls and looming by-elections.